FOXBORO (AP) - New England Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel won't get into a war of words with Miami Dolphins linebacker Joey Porter.

Porter told reporters in Florida that Cassel isn't Tom Brady, "so if it's not Tom Brady, it shouldn't be that hard."

The Dolphins play the Patriots on Sunday in Foxboro.

Cassel said Thursday he has great respect for Porter and brushed off the comments. Patriots safety Rodney Harrison said the best thing about the NFL is you get a chance to back up your words every Sunday.

Cassel backed up Brady for three years before the NFL's 2007 Most Valuable Player injured his knee in the season opener. That gave Cassel his first start last week in a 19-10 victory over the New York Jets.